* REGISTRATION CLOSED *

The Via Francigena Tour

25 Sep - 4 Oct 2009

10-day/9-night land tour with optional organised daily walks

This is a scenic and cultural programme retracing the Italian section of an ancient pilgrimage route that
stretches from Canterbury, England, to Rome.

It was in AD990 when Sigeric the
Serious made the journey to Rome to receive the
Pallium from the Pope as Archbishop of
Canterbury. The description of the route he took on his return journey became the earliest existing
documentation of what is now known today as the Via Francigena.

Unlike ancient Roman roads which were (and still are) major thoroughfares connecting centres of great
importance, the Via Francigena was really more of a series of smaller paths and trails meant for traversing
on foot. What in fact distinguishes this route are the location of the places providing refuge for the night,
spaced at a distance equivalent to a day's walk - closer together on more difficult routes and further apart
where the going was easier. It is for this reason that the Via Francigena goes through smaller towns of Italy
while bypassing major cities like Milan and Florence.

Although parts of the route fell into disuse after the
Reformation in the early 1500's. the Via Francigena is today celebrated as an important historical pathway
and was designated a European Cultural Itinerary by the European Union in 1994, uniting countries across the
continent.

For the first time in Asia, Ergo: Travel is proud to propose a tour introducing the scenic and
cultural highlights of the Via Francigena, starting from the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Alps on the Swiss-Italian
border, through the Lombard and Tuscan countrysides, and finally to the Vatican City in Rome.

While not meant to be a pilgrimage, the tour nevertheless closely follows the paths taken by centuries of
worshippers and includes optional short walks of 1-2 hours along these trails so that you can relive this
ancient journey. Coming with us is an expert local guide who will provide you with an insight into the rich
history of this ancient route.

The tour will take you through some beautiful countryside and small towns.

For the detailed programme and more information on inclusions, you can download the brochure
here or
e-mail us.

Here are some interesting websites if you want to find out more about the Via Francigena:

Important Note

As the focus of this tour is the cultural heritage of the Via Francigena, it does not
include any guided visits to the city of Rome itself. Nevertheless you are free, and indeed encouraged, to
extend your trip by a few days and explore the Eternal City if desired, either on your own or as part of an
escorted group.